BOOK REVIEW: Jacob's Oath

So many books, good and bad, have been published about the Holocaust. It is a time in history that the world would probably prefer to sweep under the proverbial carpet, but it is also a time of great, and simple, universal themes. JACOB'S OATH by Martin Fletcher is set in Germany at the end of the Second World War, but is a tribute to survival and the strength of the human spirit.

Jacob has been liberated from a concentration camp where he had witnessed inhuman conditions. His beloved brother Maxie had been the favorite victim of a camp guard nicknamed “The Rat”. As Maxie died in Jacob’s arms, Jacob swore an oath to avenge his brother’s death by killing The Rat. After his release, he starts to walk the long journey home to Heidelberg, which also happens to be The Rat’ s  home town.

For the years of war, Sarah has been hiding in basements, cemeteries, any place where she is invisible. She has gone mostly without food, water or companionship. With the help of Lieutenant Brodsky, a Russian soldier, she is able to get to her home town of Heidelberg.

The story really begins in Heidelberg. Jacob is the first one we meet there. Through his skills of bartering it is possible for him to survive rather well. Sarah’s arrival makes the Jewish population of the city a total of two. Knowing that they are the only Jews left in this once thriving city draws them together. Jacob has not forgotten his oath to kill Hans, The Rat, and spends a large part of his day watching for him.

The plot summary does not begin to give a taste of the richness of this book. The characters are so complex. Jacob, Sarah, Hans, and Brodsky are fascinating for different reasons. Watching each of them develop made the book special for me.

I would not want to under emphasize the suspense in the story. The decision of how and when to kill The Rat is the force that drives Jacob. Sarah is aware that such an act could ruin what is basically a good man. The night of the planned murder had me holding my breath. By this point in the story, I really cared what would happen to Jacob and Sarah, the only Jews in the city.

I also have to admit that the plot threw me a curve. At one point I told myself that I knew how it would end. I was wrong.

JACOB'S OATH is a warm story, told with some dark humor, that you will find stirring your heart. It is one of those page turners that will stay with you after the final chapter.